NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Date: February 11, 2026, 1PM EST
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now update delivers the top national news stories as of early afternoon on February 11, 2026. Key developments include a contentious Congressional hearing about Jeffrey Epstein, ongoing investigation in the Nancy Guthrie missing-person case, a major deregulatory move by the Trump administration on climate regulations, a brief airport closure on the U.S.–Mexico border due to alleged cartel drone activity, and a historic win for U.S. athletes in Olympic free ski moguls.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Combative Congressional Hearing on Epstein Files

[00:17–01:16]

• Attorney General Pam Bondi faced heated exchanges with House Democrats regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
• Survivors of Epstein attended the hearing; Bondi offered a general apology but deflected on specifics.
• The FBI reportedly sees no further individuals to charge in the Epstein saga.
• Quote:

  "She basically said she’s sorry for any victim and she’s open to hearing any new allegations or evidence."
  – Carrie Johnson, NPR, [00:52]

2. Developments in the Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

[01:16–02:13]

• A man briefly detained in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s suspected kidnapping was released, claiming not to be a suspect.
• The FBI released video of a masked person with a gun near Guthrie’s home at the time of her disappearance.
• Authorities have not confirmed any suspects at this stage.
• Guthrie's daughter, Savannah Guthrie (NBC’s Today Show host), publicly appealed for help.
• Quote:

  "Officials have not said if they have a suspect or person of interest in the case."
  – Alana Weiss, NPR, [01:43]

3. Trump Administration Seeks to End EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Regulation Authority

[02:13–03:12]

• The Trump administration will rescind the EPA’s 2009 “endangerment finding,” which enabled federal regulation of greenhouse gases.

• Press Secretary Caroline Levitt called this “the largest deregulatory action in American history.”

• Abigail Dillon of EarthJustice vowed legal action, labeling the move illegal.

• Formal announcement is expected at the White House on Thursday.

• Notable Quotes:

  "This will be the largest deregulatory action in American history."
  – Caroline Levitt, Trump Press Secretary (via Carrie Johnson), [02:41]

  "And we will see this administration in court to ensure that our government does its job to protect us."
  – Abigail Dillon, EarthJustice, [02:59]

4. El Paso Airspace Briefly Closed Due to Cartel Drone

[03:12–04:05]

• The FAA closed airspace around El Paso International Airport for several hours due to a “cartel drone incursion.”
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the administration “acted swiftly” and that flights are now resuming.
• Local confusion persists over the details; major travel disruptions occurred with the nearest alternative airport 270 miles away.

5. Historic U.S. Win in Women’s Olympic Free Ski Moguls

[04:05–04:50]

• Elizabeth Laemmle won gold in women’s free ski moguls, marking a first for the U.S. atop this podium after a 15-year drought.
• Jaelyn Koff took silver—her second Olympic silver medal.
• Both athletes to compete again in the debut of women’s dual moguls on February 14.
• Memorable Commentary:

  "Laemmle's time was slightly longer than Koff's, but she scored higher on the tricks, sliding her into the gold medal position."
  – Ping Huang, NPR, [04:37]

Notable Quotes

• “She’s sorry for any victim and she’s open to hearing any new allegations or evidence.” — Carrie Johnson, [00:52]
• “This will be the largest deregulatory action in American history.” — Caroline Levitt (via Carrie Johnson), [02:41]
• “And we will see this administration in court to ensure that our government does its job to protect us.” — Abigail Dillon, [02:59]
• “Laemmle’s time was slightly longer than Koff’s, but she scored higher on the tricks, sliding her into the gold medal position.” — Ping Huang, [04:37]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:17] Combative hearing on Jeffrey Epstein investigation
• [01:16] Update on Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case
• [02:13] Trump administration ends EPA greenhouse gas rules
• [03:12] Airspace closure over El Paso International Airport
• [04:05] U.S. sweeps medals in Olympic women’s ski moguls
• [04:50] Dow Jones report

For continued updates, listen to hourly NPR News Now.